"The Joy of Straps" Topic

I was just thinking how fortunate it is that I love to paint straps and belts so much because if I didn't, painting these Russians would probably drive me to whatever ancient army goes far enough back to predate belts…or sandals… :)

What is your system? I have mostly painted Fantasy and Ancients. Straps puzzle me. Painting them plain white is definitely wrong.

:-) I wish I had a system…basically, I go white over light gray and try to make it work. Maybe painting them in overcoats…?

Still waiting for the Perry Russian Dragoons in overcoats because, bit of greenstuff for a cape and chop off their heads, their potential is limitless. Esp thinking of Lancers of the Guard, or Grenadiers a Cheval….even those Gendarmes d'Elite that no one does properly. OK it is a shame they have to be one piece with the horses (extra work on the saddles and harness), but I do understand why. When will we see them?

Yes, I know they seem dull to folk who collect toy soldiers or do highlights only to be seen on shot silk….but that is how chaps on horses really did look when in action back then…not quite Tuilleries I admit!

@Deadhead – Hincliffe made a whole bunch of cavalry in cloaks. Just perfect in my opinion for the painter who hates painting straps and detail. Brilliant for doing Hussars.
Cuirassier in cloak:

Carabineer in Cloak:

Hussar in cloak:

Dargoon in cloak:

Guard Lancer in cloak and for added ease of painting – covered hat.

Grenadier a Cheval in cloak

Empress Dragoon in cloak

There are also Russians and other cavalry in cloaks as well. Hinds Models sell them – I brought some old Hinchliffe just the other day from them. When I say old, they were freshly cast from old molds. All good.

hinchliffe.co.uk/home.htm

I hate straps and backpaks. But they are needed…

We can start a new Winter war sub-genre…

Paint off white and dip.